Highlighting the DREAM Program for Late-Stage Lung Cancer Treatment

In this episode, stage IV cancer survivor, Cornelia Tischmacher, and treating thoracic surgeon, Ankit Bharat, MBBS, of Northwestern Medicine, spoke about her receipt of double lung transplantation as part of the DREAM program.

Cornelia began by recounting her initial diagnosis of stage III lung cancer and subsequent treatments. Despite initial therapy, her cancer recurred in 2019, and she was eventually told in Europe that a lung transplant was not an option for patients with cancer due to the risk of the cancer spreading with immunosuppression.

Determined to find a solution, Cornelia researched clinical trials and discovered the DREAM program at Northwestern Medicine, which offered lung transplantation for select patients with cancer confined to the lungs. This discovery gave her hope, and she embarked on a journey to Chicago.

Cornelia was accepted for a lung transplant on December 24, 2024, and received the call about a matching organ just 2 days later, on December 26, 2024. The transplant surgery took place soon after.

Following the transplant, Cornelia experienced challenges related to immunosuppression medications, including platelet count concerns and fatigue. She also had to relearn basic physical activities through outpatient rehabilitation. Despite these difficulties, Cornelia emphasized that her quality of life was significantly improved with the transplantation. She also highlighted the extensive education and support that Northwestern Medicine provided to both patients and caregivers.

Bharat explained that the DREAM program offers hope to patients with stage IV lung cancer who have exhausted other treatment options and developed respiratory failure. He described the double lung transplant surgery as technically challenging, requiring the removal of the lungs without spreading cancer cells.

He highlighted Cornelia's recovery, noting her improved health and return to relative normalcy. Bharat explained that Northwestern Medicine closely monitors transplant recipients for cancer recurrence using various methods, including advanced genetic testing of the removed tumor to create a personalized blood test for early detection.

Although recurrence is still a possibility, Bharat suggests that it tends to be more focal and manageable with current treatments, which can significantly improve patients' quality and quantity of life. He also discussed the risks associated with lung transplantation and immunosuppression, emphasizing the importance of patient compliance with medication and close monitoring.

Finally, Bharat encouraged patients with limited options to seek information and explore possibilities like the DREAM program. He concluded by expressing hope that the success of the DREAM program might challenge the traditional view that stage IV cancer is incurable.